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By Rajkamal Rao
Go back to Comparing Life US v. India
The health and fitness industry in the US is thriving and mature. In the major cities and suburbs, residents have to drive no more than a few miles to get to their favorite gym. Most gyms - whether run by for-profit companies such as 24-Hour Fitness or by community organizations such as the YMCA - offer a variety of fitness equipment and programs for patrons to stay fit. It is not uncommon to see closed-door, climate controlled swimming pools operating as part of the gym complex. The gyms are generally big, well lit with plenty of parking and operate on an extended schedule. Membership plans are generally affordable and for those who do not wish to pay these charges, city and local governments offer facilities for residents which are significantly subsidized.
India offers a stark contrast here. Unless one lives in the major metro cities and can afford to buy into elite club memberships (if available) or your workplace offers these facilities at work, don’t count on spending an hour a day at a well-equipped gym. Small, street gyms are available but facilities pale in comparison to what you see in the US. Often, equipment usage is limited to 20 minutes a day and there are long waits to get on your favorite exercise machine.
Because many public streets don’t have pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, walking or jogging on public streets is also not a viable option. Nor, as has been previously mentioned, are public parks easily approachable. It is common to see local Indians get in a car to drive to the nearest park and join other residents in morning walks. Malls in the big cities have begun to invite residents before they open - to walk inside air conditioned comfort - and seal a sense of loyalty which will bring them back during mall working hours.
For the fitness-conscious returnee family, a good workaround is to reside in a modern villa or apartment community which offers a gym on the premises. Or to join yoga classes offered by private individuals - sometimes taught in the comfort of your home - since yoga does not require expensive equipment. Most other options are sub optimal.
Go back to Comparing Life US v. India
The health and fitness industry in the US is thriving and mature. In the major cities and suburbs, residents have to drive no more than a few miles to get to their favorite gym. Most gyms - whether run by for-profit companies such as 24-Hour Fitness or by community organizations such as the YMCA - offer a variety of fitness equipment and programs for patrons to stay fit. It is not uncommon to see closed-door, climate controlled swimming pools operating as part of the gym complex. The gyms are generally big, well lit with plenty of parking and operate on an extended schedule. Membership plans are generally affordable and for those who do not wish to pay these charges, city and local governments offer facilities for residents which are significantly subsidized.
India offers a stark contrast here. Unless one lives in the major metro cities and can afford to buy into elite club memberships (if available) or your workplace offers these facilities at work, don’t count on spending an hour a day at a well-equipped gym. Small, street gyms are available but facilities pale in comparison to what you see in the US. Often, equipment usage is limited to 20 minutes a day and there are long waits to get on your favorite exercise machine.
Because many public streets don’t have pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, walking or jogging on public streets is also not a viable option. Nor, as has been previously mentioned, are public parks easily approachable. It is common to see local Indians get in a car to drive to the nearest park and join other residents in morning walks. Malls in the big cities have begun to invite residents before they open - to walk inside air conditioned comfort - and seal a sense of loyalty which will bring them back during mall working hours.
For the fitness-conscious returnee family, a good workaround is to reside in a modern villa or apartment community which offers a gym on the premises. Or to join yoga classes offered by private individuals - sometimes taught in the comfort of your home - since yoga does not require expensive equipment. Most other options are sub optimal.
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